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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 84 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 75 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 47 | 734 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 61 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 6h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (69)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“It is an all-around great new instalment in FIFA series, and Journey mode is a great experience.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“There is no revolution in the gameplay but modern FIFA never needed one. This year's edition has a slower game pace, improved player positioning and more focus on individual player stats. Thanks to all that FIFA 18 is more tactical but as entertaining as ever.”
read full review ↗ - 88
“FIFA 18 is still at its prime, but this time it comes with fewer enhancements and new mechanics than last year's entry. The Frostbite engine is now under serious work and there are several new game modes, although Ultimate Team is still the king within this game.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Somehow, EA has managed to refine and hone the modern FIFA formula to an even greater degree with FIFA 18. Last year we questioned what more the developer could possibly do to keep the series from stagnating, and it turns out that making a slew of welcome smaller adjustments across the board can really impact the big picture. Some will roll their eyes, but FIFA 18 is yet another fantastic footie sim -- one that takes the ball from the already great FIFA 17 and runs with it. ”
read full review ↗ - 85
“FIFA 18 is the most gorgeous-looking soccer title to date. This is the second time the Frostbite engine has been used for the FIFA games, so the change may not seem as dramatic, but the development team has been able to achieve what it wanted with the engine. The title features tight and responsive gameplay as well as better visuals. Additionally, the Ultimate Team mode is by far one of the most interesting and encouraging ranking systems I've seen in video games. For those looking to dive head-first into a soccer game, FIFA 18 is your best choice.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“FIFA 18 is a huge step forward for the series. Deep gameplay and rich game modes are combined in an excellent package. EA Sports has to give more juice to the defensive part of the pitch. ”
read full review ↗ - 70
“It's off the pitch that EA excels. From the variety of game modes on offer and how everything's presented, to the constant updates in FUT's Team of the Week, Daily Objectives, and discussion of real-world happenings in commentary, FIFA 18 captures the world of football and confidently translates it into a video game. On the pitch, however, EA's soccer series is still lagging far behind PES 2018's more fluid, satisfying football. ”
read full review ↗ - 70
“FIFA 18 is certainly an upgrade on FIFA 17 and undoubtedly the franchise is going in the right direction, but with the same flaws still remaining it is hard to solely focus on the positives. The game needs balancing out as far too much of the game is focused on attacking, rather than the grittier and more tactical side of football. FIFA 18 is superb to look at with the slick menus, pre-match changes, vast licences, wonderfully represented stadiums, and player images, but changes to its gameplay are a necessity for me. Having played PES 2018 and FIFA 18 this year, I can comfortably say PES takes the award for being the best football game, but FIFA still has the greater depth to it, and is the more sociable game of the two.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“FIFA 18 is a solid entry into the FIFA series, but while there have been some changes over last year’s iteration, they aren’t so big that they make an essential purchase. Personally I found attacking smoother and defending a little harder to get hold of, while The Journey fun, if a bit dragged out. However where it matters FIFA 18 is a very good representation of the beautiful game, and Ultimate Team will have a firm grip on players over the next year again. Does FIFA remain the king of the pitch though? I’d say its pretty even nowadays.”
read full review ↗ - 83
“Attacking is more fun and spectacular in FIFA 18 and the game offers a huge package which will definitely water your mouth if you're a football fan. That's why it is such a pity defending is less fun and some new features are somewhat unpolished.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The improvements are slight, but this is still the best FIFA has been in several years, in terms of gameplay as well as just presentation.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“FIFA 18 plays an attractive and attacking brand of football that champions the pageantry of the game. But the Frostbite engine is the true star, offering up a staggering vision of "The Beautiful Game". ”
read full review ↗
…and 57 more tracked reviews.
